Nonorthopedic conditions in veterans with musculoskeletal disorders: a survey

A survey of 1,000 veterans with musculoskeletal disorders in the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Ambulatory Care Clinic was undertaken to determine the number with nonorthopedic conditions. The survey revealed that 429 of 1,000 veterans who were under treatment for musculoskeletal disorders had additional problems requiring medical care. Ninety percent were under the care of a physician for their nonorthopedic conditions and approximately 88 percent were receiving medications. One hundred sixteen had two or more medical conditions and approximately 45 percent were receiving care at the Veterans Administration Clinic for these medical conditions. Thirty-one female veterans were seen and eight had nonorthopedic problems. Two were pregnant.